Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    350th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    100th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 17, 1943

    Headquarters, European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 61 (September 10, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) Gale Winston Cleven (ASN: 0-399782), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 350th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 17 August 1943, against enemy ground targets in Bremen, Germany. With his ship badly damaged, partially out of control, and with serous injuries to his personnel, Major Cleven continued to lead his squadron to the target in the face of extremely heavy attacks by enemy aircraft, executed a successful bombing attack, and reached base in North Africa safely. This brilliantly successful operation, to which Major Cleven contributed very largely, resulted in a damaging blow to the enemy by the destruction of military objectives and of a large number of enemy aircraft. The extraordinary heroism, coolness, and skill displayed by Major Cleven on this occasion reflect the greatest credit upon himself and were an inspiration to the members of his command.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    350th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    100th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Gale W. Cleven (ASN: 0-399782), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 350th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing missions against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    October 8, 1943 – May 1945

    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 2021

    Major (Air Corps) Gale W. Cleven (ASN: 0-399782), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after his B-17 Bomber was shot down on or about 8 October 1943, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.